Navratri- The Science and Significance
Science has a lot to say about fasting and meditation during Navratri…
The Victory of Ram over Ravana, or Devi Durga slaying Mahisasur- Navratri essentially celebrated the victory of good over evil. Ramlila, pandal hopping, eating delicious street food are just a few ways in which people celebrate. Garba and Dandiya functions has people putting on their best clothes and tap their feet to the beats. The celebration is concluded by either immersing the idol in the water or burning effigies of Ravan, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad.
Interestingly, Southern India celebrates Ayudh Puja at this time, where they worship their instruments including books and vehicles.
Navratri- derived from the words ‘nav’ which means nine and ‘Ratri’ which means night- has each day dedicated to a particular avatar of the Goddess.
Navratri occurs five times a year, but the Sharad Navratri is the most popular one. Accompanied by fasting, there is a lot of science that backs the massive amount of rituals associated with this festival. As the Goddess is invoked, people seek wisdom and spiritual cleansing through these rituals.
The Science of Fasting-
Fasting during Navratri is associated with one’s acquaintance with one’s inner self and acquiring joy and peace. Ayurveda relates fasting to the removal of toxins from the body. Our mind, in sync with our body, attains a calmer state as the body is relieved of the toxins.
Eating when the body is unwilling to accept food, that is when you aren’t hungry, leads to the weakening of the immune system. Fasting helps the body adjust to the regular food intake contrary to the untimely meals we otherwise consume. This, in turn, helps in boosting immunity and helps the body fight germs and other toxic microbes.
Meals during Navratri is often replaced by fresh fruits- which provides the necessary vitamins and minerals and rejuvenates and replenishes the cells. People, however, must be mindful of any physical ailments before fasting, as it could lead to more harm
The Science of Meditation-
Navrati is also a time to get rid of the 10 vices of the human mind. These include- Kama (Lust), Krodh (Anger), Lobh (Greed), Moh (Attachment), Ahankar (Ego), Bhay(Fear), Irsha (Jealousy), Jadta (Inertia/Insensitivity), Ghranaa (Hatred), and Paschataap (Guilty).
Meditation or spiritual awakening, though difficult to achieve, can help a soul attain moksha. The Mother Goddess is the source of energy, one that needs to be absorbed by human. The mind, through meditation, attains this energy from the surroundings, inducing calmness and productivity.
The 9 Forms of the Goddess and their Significance-
- Shailaputri- Known to be of the Earthly essence, she is the daughter of Lord Himalaya. She helps avert any bad effect cast on a human by the Moon.
- Brahmacharini- The unmarried form of Goddess Parvati, she is known to practice the toughest of penance in order to win Shiva’s heart. This form signifies love, loyalty, wisdom and simplicity.
- Chandraghanta- This form guides people who seek a solution to their obstacles and hurdles. Worshipped to her divine aura, Goddess Chandraghata helps people fight their foes.
- Kushmanda- The Devi who rescues the Earth from darkness through her radiant smile, the Goddess possessed healing powers and bestows the worshipper with fame, glory and spirituality.
- Skandamata- The mother of Lord Kartikeya, Goddess Skandamata purifies the heart and grants prosperity and power.
- Kātyāyanī- The Warrior Goddess sitting atop a lion, she ensures her subjects have a happy and peaceful married life.
- Kalaratri- The intense and ferocious avatar of the Goddess that invokes fear among the foes.
- Mahagauri- Mahagauri is the Goddess of forgiveness. She is known to grant wishes and fulfil the desires of her devotees.
- Siddhidhatri- The original form of Parvati, she controls the Nirvana Chakra present right below the human skull. Maa Siddhidhatri possesses all eight supernatural powers.
If you hail from India, on each Navratri, what do you look forward to? Tell us all about it.
by Mridula Gupta
